Discover New Delhi to Agra Taj Mahal by Train, Bus, and Car?
Taj Mahal lies on the banks of the Yamuna River. New Delhi to Agra Taj Mahal distance is 130 miles south of New Delhi. Agra city famous for its architectural wonders and rich Mughal history. As part of India’s famed “Golden Triangle” tourist circuit, alongside Delhi and Jaipur, Agra boasts numerous incredible sites.
However, the main draw for most visitors is the iconic Taj Mahal. This celebrated mausoleum, recognized worldwide and hailed as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, has been called “The jewel of Islamic Art in India” by UNESCO.
How to Get from New Delhi to Agra Taj Mahal
- Train: 2 hours, from $15
- Bus: 4 hours, from $10
- Car: 3 hours, New Delhi to Agra Taj Mahal distance is 132 miles (213 kilometers)
Suggested Read: Delhi to Agra Day Trip by High Speed Train: Learn how to book?
New Delhi to Agra by Train
- Traveling by train is the most popular way to get from New Delhi to Agra Taj Mahal. If you catch the right trains, you can visit the Taj Mahal in a day, with the fastest trains covering the distance between the two cities in just two hours.
- The main railway station in Delhi is New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS). It is located near Paharganj.
- Some trains to Agra also depart from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM), which is about 20 minutes south of NDLS.
- In Agra, the main railway station is Agra Cantonment (AGC), situated about a 20-minute drive from the Taj Mahal. Upon exiting the train station, use one of the prepaid taxi or rickshaw booths to pay a set price for the trip.
- While the train ride itself is comfortable and quick, buying train tickets can be a bit challenging. You can buy tickets on the official Indian Railways website, but this requires creating an account and paying a small registration fee.
- Other travel websites like Cleartrip.com, Makemytrip.com, and Yatra.com are more user-friendly but may not show all available trains and typically charge a commission fee.
Official Booking Office
Alternatively, you can buy tickets in person at the International Tourist Bureau at New Delhi Railway Station. This office is located upstairs in the main building on the Paharganj side and is open 24 hours. Be cautious of anyone who claims that the office has moved or is closed, as they might be attempting to scam you.
- If you’re already in Delhi, visiting the International Tourist Bureau can be the simplest way to book your train tickets.
- However, given that Indian Railways carries millions of passengers daily and trains often sell out, it’s best to get your tickets in advance whenever possible.
Suggested Read: Agra Airport to Taj Mahal Distance & Getting Around
Trains from New Delhi to Agra Taj Mahal
The best way to travel from New Delhi to Agra is train. Several trains run daily from New Delhi to Agra Taj Mahal but some are particularly popular with visitors to the Taj Mahal:
12050 Delhi to Agra Gatimaan Express:
- Departure: 8:10 a.m. from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station
- Arrival: 9:50 a.m. in Agra
- Travel Time: Approximately 100 minutes ( Fast Train to Agra From Delhi )
- Fare: 1AC executive class costs 1,495 rupees (about $20), and CC (chair car) costs between 750–1,000 rupees ($10–$14), with dynamic pricing based on demand.
- Service: Delhi to Agra high speed train runs daily except Friday (when the Taj Mahal is closed).
- It offers on-board catering with both Indian and Continental cuisine, and is known for its cleanliness, food quality, and punctuality. It is a very fast train to Agra from Delhi.
12002 New Delhi Habibganj Shatabdi Express:
- Departure: 6:00 a.m. from New Delhi Railway Station
- Arrival: 7:57 a.m. in Agra
- Travel Time: Just under 2 hours
- Service: Runs every day, with excellent ticket availability, punctuality, and good cleanliness.
12280 Taj Express Superfast:
- New Delhi to Agra Train Taj Express, Departure: 6:45 a.m. from New Delhi Railway Station (also stops at Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station)
- Arrival: 9:32 a.m. in Agra
- Travel Time: Nearly 3 hours
- Service: Runs every day, with excellent ticket availability, good punctuality and cleanliness, but no pantry or onboard restaurant.
22416 Andhra Pradesh AC Super Fast Express:
- Departure: 6:25 a.m. from New Delhi Railway Station
- Arrival: 9:10 a.m. in Agra
- Travel Time: About 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Service: Fully air-conditioned sleeper train, runs daily, but can sometimes experience delays. These trains offer various options to suit different schedules and preferences, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey from New Delhi to Agra Taj Mahal.
By Bus
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get from Delhi to Agra, the bus is your best option. Websites like RedBus provide itineraries for various bus companies and allow you to purchase tickets directly. Standard buses can be overcrowded and overheated, making frequent stops along the route, so it’s best to look for “Deluxe” buses or those that explicitly list air-conditioning as an amenity.
While the bus is the most affordable option, the price difference between the bus and the train is minimal. The speed and comfort of the train often justify spending a few dollars more. However, if you need last-minute tickets and the trains are fully booked, the bus is a reliable backup option.
By Car
Driving your own vehicle from New Delhi to Agra Taj Mahal is best left to those with ample experience driving in India. If you’re not familiar with India’s driving laws—or drivers’ tendencies to disregard them—driving your own vehicle can be stressful and unsafe. If the train or bus is too much hassle, hiring a private car or taxi is the easiest option for getting to the Taj Mahal.
Prices start at about $40 for a one-way trip in a sedan and increase for larger vehicles. The drive usually takes about three hours, but traffic around Delhi can be hectic, potentially making the trip much longer.
The best way to find a car is to ask at your hotel. Not only will the driver pick you up directly from the hotel, but they can also arrange all the travel details for you.
What to See in Agra
The main attraction in Agra is, without a doubt, the Taj Mahal. Many tourists go straight from the train station to the Taj Mahal and then head back without exploring other historical sites in the city. If you have time, don’t miss the other UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby.
The Agra Fort, a walled city that was home to the Mughal emperors in the 17th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the era when Agra was the capital of their empire. Additionally, the town of Fatehpur Sikri, located just outside Agra, offers the same majestic architecture as the Taj Mahal but with far fewer tourists.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Agra is between October and February, avoiding the scorching summer heat and the monsoon rains. Regardless of the time of year, ensure your trip to Agra doesn’t fall on a Friday when the Taj Mahal is closed for religious reasons.
A Word of Warning: Dangers and Annoyances
- When arriving at Agra station, be prepared to encounter beggars and touts. Touts often operate in sophisticated gangs with counterparts in other cities who identify potential targets at railway stations.
- In Agra, touts commonly pose as guides or taxi drivers, offering free rides or heavy discounts to lure tourists. There are 24-hour official prepaid auto-rickshaw and taxi booths just outside the Agra railway station. Always use these to avoid potential scams.
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